Let’s face it — love it or hate it, snow or no snow, SantaCon is happening on Saturday, December 15th, 2018. And whether you’re a Hoboken newbie or a seasoned veteran, it’s safe to say that the following list of things to expect on SantaCon is pretty real. From girls dressed in elf costumes to Santas fighting in the streets to those hiding out ’til further notice, the experience happens but only once a year. So stay safe, hunker down, dress up, do your thing — but make sure to read this list of pretty common occurrences during SantaCon in Hoboken so that you’re prepared. Here’s who you’ll see/what to expect:
1. The Child Wondering Why There Are So Many Santas Around
2. The Parents Trying to Explain to Their Children Why Santa is Holding a Case of Beer
“Look away! That’s not the real Santa, Tommy!”
3. The Girls Dressed Up and Not Wearing Coats Even Though It’s 20 Degrees Out
Baby, it’s seriously cold outside.
4. The Festive Dogs That Participate
Giving us liiiiife.
5. That One Guy That Dresses Like Jesus
Praise the lawd.
6. The Couple Dressed Like Elves in a Serious Argument
It’s kind of hard to take your fight seriously when you’re dressed as Mrs. Claus and Kris Kringle.
7. The Couple Making Out in Santa Outfits {Like He’s Going Off to War}
Jack and Rose had a shorter goodbye.
8. The Person Who Used Be All About SantaCon {and Now Looks Upon Participants With Disgust}
9. The Out-of-Towners Who Just Came to Hoboken to Enjoy a Nice Brunch…
10. The Hoboken Veterans Who’ve Been-There, Done-That and Know To Hide
Delivery, wine, Netflix, bomb shelter? It’s a way of SantaCon-Day life.
11. The Chaos at the Pizza Shops — All Day
Uptown, downtown, 1st Street — but mostly downtown.
12. Santas Fighting Eachother Outside of the Bar
And more…
13. Santas Getting Citations
The gift that keeps on giving. Thanks to the Hoboken PD for keeping us safe!
14. The Santa Walks of Shame in the Morning
Cellphone, wallet, dignity — gone.
15. The Hangover is Real.
‘Tis the season. Have fun and be safe everyone! Remember NO drinking and driving, and witching hour starts at 6PM…but chances are even earlier. God speed, y’all.
The Hoboken Girl’s 5th Annual Puppy Bowl Contest — NOMINATE YOUR PUP!
We can’t think of a better reprieve from the frigid dog days of winter (pun intended) than kicking off The Hoboken Girl’s 5th Annual Puppy Bowl Contest. If you live in Hudson County, you know there is no shortage of photogenic pups around town, and that our area is one of the best places for dog owners and lovers alike. This makes nominating and voting on adorable four-legged friends all the sweeter — especially when it helps non-profit rescues and when prizes are involved. This year, HG has chosen two organizations that contestants can donate to. This includes Wise Animal Rescue, local to New Jersey, and Ace of Hearts Rescue, based in Los Angeles. While Ace of Hearts Rescue is not connected to the Hudson County area, we want to show our support while the Los Angeles area recovers from the devastating wildfires. We will also be donating a portion of the sponsorships we receive to these selected non-profits. The contest will begin on Friday, January 24th, and end on Sunday, February 9th. On that final day one lucky dog will be crowned the winner of some amazing local prizes.
The Contest
Our version of Puppy Bowl is a Puppy Bowl Photo Contest.
Starting Friday, January 24th, locals can submit their pet’s cutest photo via the form below or by emailing [email protected].
Those submitting should screenshot a receipt of their donations of $5 or more to Wise Animal Rescue and/or Ace of Hearts Rescue and upload it to your Google Form submission, along with the photo of your pup. Only one donation is required to enter, but donating to both is always encouraged (and may even get contestants bonus points with the judges!)
- Donate to Wise Animal Rescue via this link or through Venmo @wise-animalrescue.
- Donate to Ace of Hearts via this link or through Venmo @Ace-OfHearts.
Nominations will be accepted until 11:59PM on Friday, January 31st.
The nine finalists will be announced on Monday, February 3rd, at which time the entire community will vote on which pup is the cutest canine.
Voting will end on Thursday, February 6th at 11:59PM, and the winner of The Hoboken Girl’s Puppy Bowl Contest 2025 will be announced on Super Bowl Sunday, February 9th.
Contest Entry Requirements
- Follow @TheHobokenGirl + follow the contests’ sponsors — @lbhealthypetmarkets, @bondvetclinic, @cornerstonepets, + @houndabouttown — on Instagram.
- Submit a photo, description, + screenshot of the donation of the pup via the form HERE
- or email the pup’s photo, a screenshot of the donation, and a blurb about the dog
- name, age, city, story, favorite treats + activities, and favorite local pet business
- email to [email protected]
- or email the pup’s photo, a screenshot of the donation, and a blurb about the dog
Other info you may need:
- The dog does not have to be a puppy — we just call them all puppies.
- A picture in their cutest attire or birthday suit is perfect — just make sure it’s 1200×1200px minimum sizing, large photos, or original size.
About the Rescues
Wise Animal Rescue
View this post on Instagram
Wise Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization "dedicated to the well-being of dogs of all breeds," according to its website. This rescue takes in neglected, abused, and homeless dogs and restores them to health. WISE provides adoption, foster, and volunteer opportunities. Donate to Wise Animal Rescue via this link or through Venmo @wise-animalrescue.
Ace of Hearts Rescue
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This dog rescue foundation based in Los Angeles rescues furry friends from shelters all over the LA area. Because Ace of Hearts Rescue is working hard to aid in the current wildfire disaster, it is in desperate need of donations — and since our readers reside in New Jersey, donations can come in monetary forms. Donate to Ace of Hearts via this link or through Venmo @Ace-OfHearts.
The Contest Sponsors
L+B Healthy Pet Markets | 155 4th Street, Hoboken
IG handle: @lbhealthypetmarkets
Giveaway + Gift Value: $100 gift card
L+B Health Pet Markets is a family owned and operated pet supply store serving the animal-loving communities of Hoboken and Montclair. L+B’s values are rooted in health, which reflects the store’s carefully selected supply of high-quality foods. The store carries everything from single-ingredient treats, natural supplements, and healthy toppers to frozen food, dry food, and more. The team at L+B takes the time to work closely with each customer to hone in on the individual needs of their pets.
Bond Vet | 1425 Washington Street, Hoboken
IG Handle: @bondvetclinic
Giveaway + Gift Value: Appointment credit for the Hoboken location ($100 value)
Bond Vet is a veterinarian-founded company that is redefining pet care. The innovative clinics elevate the veterinary experience for pets and their humans through elegant design, seamless technology, and a collaborative approach. Bond Vet has warm, welcoming spaces with thoughtful amenities, state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical tools, and a user-friendly mobile app for booking and treatment plans — all supported by extended evening and weekend hours for ultimate convenience.
Cornerstone Pets | 105 9th Street, Hoboken
IG Handle: @cornerstonepets
Giveaway + Gift Value: Gift basket valued at $150
Cornerstone has been a trusted pet supply shop in Hoboken since 2003. The pet store provides a curated selection of pet food, treats, supplements, toys, decorated cookies, and other specialty items like pet birthday cakes. Local customers can shop in-store or order online for same-day delivery or pickup.
Hound About Town | 17 McWilliams Place + 218 Montgomery Street, Jersey City
IG Handle: @houndabouttown
Giveaway + Gift Value: $50 gift card, Dandylion Clean Paws No-Rinse Foaming Cleanser, Dandylion Lick Mat, and Muttluks Nosemagik Soothing Nose Balm ($100 value)
Hound About Town is a Jersey City staple run by a husband and wife duo who’s pup Wiley inspired the idea for the business. The store has two locations in town and encourages customers and their pets to “come in and sniff about.” Aside from treats, toys, and gifts, Hound About Town sells a variety of healthy pet food options for both dogs and cats.
IG Handle: @thelocalgirlhq
Giveaway Gift + Value: $50 gift card
The Local Girl is the parent brand of The Hoboken Girl — and is the home our other brands The Montclair Girl, The Jersey City Girl, The Jersey Shore Girl, The Bergen County Girl, and The Catskills Girl. The owner of the winning pup will receive a gift card to the New Jersey business of their choice, so they can indulge in some local fun along with their pup.
Don’t forget to nominate + submit a photo of an adorable pup between Friday, January 24th through Friday, January 31st via the form HERE or email [email protected] and donate to Wise Animal Rescue or Ace of Hearts Rescue. Happy nominating!
